Blood Bowl (Third Edition)

Games Workshop Ltd. · Board game · 1994
2 · best 2 180 min Weight 3.0/5
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love tactical strategy with a dash of chaos and plenty of comic violence.

Highlights
  • Incredible and detailed miniatures
  • Real asymmetry between teams
  • Unique blend of sports and fighting
  • Exciting and memorable campaigns
Keep in mind
  • Complex rules for beginners
  • Matches can be quite long
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Imagine American football played by brutal orcs and desperate humans in a world where violence is just as important as scoring a touchdown. Welcome to Blood Bowl! Here, the goal is to carry the ball into the opponent's end zone, but don't be fooled: this is no gentle sport. It's a chaotic blend of tactical strategy and all-out brawling, where knocking out the opposing team's captain can be just as advantageous as advancing down the field.

In the game, you take control of a team, moving your miniatures across a gridded board. Each turn, you decide who advances, who blocks, and who attempts to steal the ball. The tension comes from the dice rolls, which determine if that devastating tackle will actually knock out the opponent or if your player will end up tripping over their own feet. The charm of the game lies in its asymmetry; abilities vary drastically between races, forcing you to adapt your tactics depending on who is on the other side of the field.

With detailed miniatures from Games Workshop, the visual experience is stunning, turning your table into a true gladiator stadium. It's a game for those who enjoy risk management, planning complex plays, and, of course, laughing when luck decides the game will take a completely unexpected turn. If you love the idea of 'sports with violence,' Blood Bowl is the perfect choice. Prepare your players, set your strategy, and try not to get massacred in the process. Remember: the ball is important, but leaving the opponent bleeding on the grass has its own value!
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Polyhedral (not D6) dice Digital Implementations: Steam Game: Blood Bowl Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Specialist Games (Games Workshop) Setting: Warhammer Fantasy Board Games Theme: Fantasy Sports
Publisher Games Workshop Ltd.
Designer Jervis Johnson
Artist David Gallagher, Richard Wright, Wayne England
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
It has a significant learning curve as it's an expert game, but the sports logic helps guide the player.
How long does a match last?
Get ready for long sessions! A full match can take around 3 hours.
Do I need paint for the miniatures?
The miniatures come in raw plastic, so if you want that epic look, you'll need to paint them.
Can more than two people play?
The classic version is strictly for 2 players, focusing on the direct duel between two teams.
Is the game heavily dependent on luck?
Yes, dice decide a lot, but positioning strategy is what separates the amateurs from the pros.